Tickle Tum! - Softcover

In this bouncy, vibrant story of a mother rabbit and her baby, the rich, inventive language these two share is the secret to dinnertime success. "Tickle Tickle Tum Tum, bidda bidda boo, lotsa super dooper stew just for you," sings Mama Rabbit as she brings on the supper plate. Because the author believes that mealtime should be fun rather than frustrating, she's incorporated some classic meal games into a series of fresh, entertaining rhyme songs. Catchy little nonsense verses about choo-choo trains, dump trucks, and even a little swooping bird help open reluctant little mouths and put a smile on otherwise grumpy faces. After dinner, more comforting verses soothe the way to bed.

This is an engaging volume for small children just becoming interested in books. Bright, expressive full-page illustrations of wild and splattery meal messes, cats chasing dropped peas, and a winning little rabbit provide lots of visual appeal. The silly, easy-to-memorize rhymes and liberal use of alliteration not only entertain but also encourage the development of language skills. (Baby to age 3) --Marianne Painter

Nancy Van Laan has written many books perfect for reading aloud, including So Say the Little Monkeys; Little Fish, Lost; With a Whoop and a Holler (An American Library Association Notable Book); and the 1990 Parents' Choice Award-winner, Possum Come a-Knockin'. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.